{"id":287749,"date":"2023-09-06T14:36:15","date_gmt":"2023-09-06T14:36:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sportstoft.com\/?p=287749"},"modified":"2023-09-06T14:36:15","modified_gmt":"2023-09-06T14:36:15","slug":"jonathan-humphreys-urges-wales-pack-to-be-accurate-and-relentless-against-fiji","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sportstoft.com\/rugby-union\/jonathan-humphreys-urges-wales-pack-to-be-accurate-and-relentless-against-fiji\/","title":{"rendered":"Jonathan Humphreys urges Wales pack to be \u2018accurate and relentless\u2019 against Fiji"},"content":{"rendered":"
Jonathan Humphreys spoke to the media ahead of Wales\u2019 Rugby World Cup opener against Fiji <\/p>\n
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Jonathan Humphreys wants the Wales forwards to be remembered for accuracy and a relentless approach at the Rugby World Cup.<\/p>\n
The Wales pack can expect an immediate test of its capability against opening Pool C opponents Fiji in Bordeaux on Sunday.<\/p>\n
While Fiji are renowned for players with dazzling skills, their set-piece game has improved considerably under head coach Simon Raiwalui.<\/p>\n
Georgia\u2019s revered forward power awaits Wales in their final group game, with Australia also likely to pose plenty of questions during what will be a fiercely-contested pool.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have been working for 16 weeks towards a goal, which is this game,\u201d Wales assistant coach and forwards specialist Humphreys said.<\/p>\n
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\u201cWe\u2019ve tried lots of combinations out and a few different things. Those three (warm-up) games allowed us to do that. We are well aware this is the judgement time for us. We feel we are pretty well-prepared and we know what\u2019s coming.<\/p>\n
\u201cTwo words would be accurate and relentless in everything you do, on the field and off the field.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nPhysically, they are in incredible shape and they are going to be a tough, tough challenge for us<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
Humphreys and his fellow Wales coaches were at Twickenham last month when Fiji claimed a famous 30-22 victory over England.<\/p>\n
He added: \u201cI was really impressed with them. They went behind early, came back at them (England) and they have got some incredibly powerful runners who are tough to stop.<\/p>\n
\u201cPhysically, they are in incredible shape and they are going to be a tough, tough challenge for us.They have had five or six warm-up games, and the set-piece is a strength of theirs at the moment.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are well aware of what\u2019s coming, we know hopefully what they are about and we have prepared for it.\u201d<\/p>\n
Wales boss Warren Gatland has reported a clean bill of health among the 33-strong World Cup squad after a number of players had been sidelined due to knocks.<\/p>\n
That list included hookers Dewi Lake (knee) and Ryan Elias (hamstring), while star number eight Taulupe Faletau took no part in the warm-up schedule because of a calf muscle issue.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn fairness to our medical staff, when they did pick up the injuries the return dates were spot-on really,\u201d Humphreys said. \u201cIt has been good to have everyone available for selection.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are pretty confident in our ability and what we can achieve. It\u2019s about going out there and doing it, and that is the point we are at right now.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are in a good spot. Everybody is a bit on edge, but in a good way, and training this morning was like that. It has been a long time getting here.\u201d<\/p>\n
The hot weather in France continues to be a major talking point, with tournament bosses understood to be considering implementing player drinks breaks during games.<\/p>\n
Temperatures at Wales\u2019 training base in Versailles have not dipped below 32 degrees this week, while Bordeaux is set to be even warmer.<\/p>\n
Wales, though, feel ready for any eventuality, having prepared at punishing training camps in Switzerland and Turkey for the competition.<\/p>\n
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\n<\/p>\nProp Dillon Lewis said: \u201cWe spent a bit of time in Turkey where it was a fair bit warmer than here.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt was quite good we got that in the bank early and it allows us to adapt to this a bit quicker, and not affect us as much as it could have done.\u201d<\/p>\n
Source: Read Full Article<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Jonathan Humphreys spoke to the media ahead of Wales\u2019 Rugby World Cup opener against Fiji Sign up to our free sport newsletter for all the […]<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":287748,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[17],"tags":[],"yoast_head":"\n
Jonathan Humphreys urges Wales pack to be \u2018accurate and relentless\u2019 against Fiji - Sportstoft<\/title>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n